Emerson College: Designing for the Unexpected

When it comes to redesigning the plumbing systems in a historic building, most times you have to expect the unexpected. The central dining facility at Emerson College in downtown Boston was built around 115 years ago. The space needed to install completely new plumbing systems in a historic structure of that age comes at a premium. But space wasn’t the only concern.

With the all-new renovation also came metered faucets on timers, which added a level of complication.

“Most of the faucets are on timers, which limit the amount of water that can flow out,” said Rich Dean, Senior Plumbing Designer for Vanderweil Engineers who designed the hot water system installation for the project. “When you have the limited amount of time, you don’t purge the line. Viega’s double drop elbow gets water to the faucet from the source quicker, and that improves user experience.”

Dean designed the hot water plumbing systems for two bathrooms in the dining facility. One bathroom provided the space necessary to install regular tees, but the other bathroom was too small.

“It’s a very old building and just has the issues that come with renovations to a very old building. We had to drop individually to each sink as opposed to having the space to run it horizontally down right to the fixture,” explained Peter Hannon, Vice President of Commonwealth Plumbing, the company that installed the plumbing systems. “Due to space within the wall, we didn’t have that luxury. The tight quarters made the double drop elbows the best choice.”

An average user will take 30 seconds or less to wash his hands. Most of the time that means the water he uses will have been sitting in the pipe line for a while. It won’t be freshly heated water until the line is purged.

“That dead leg water is in those faucets,” Dean said. “It will purge itself over time, but not usually fast enough.”

By using Viega’s double drop elbow fittings in the bathroom installation, Vanderweil and Commonwealth eliminated the dead leg in the line completely.

“Installing the double drop elbows allows us to get the piping much closer to the fixtures to minimize the dead legs,” Dean said. “Having warm water at the faucet is a better experience for the user, so they’ll think the best of the facility.”

Dean still used the series design in the other bathroom, which had more space allowing them to install more traditional fittings.

“We have used Viega in the past. When it was first presented to us, it was unique and a bit different, but it started to meet some of the issues we were experiencing,” Dean said. “We first saw Viega’s double drop elbows more than a year ago. The Viega team came to the office and discussed its use in hospital situations. We thought about how it would be good in commercial applications too.”

While the danger of Legionella bacteria in plumbing lines is always a concern, eliminating it in a facility like a dining hall bathroom isn’t as crucial as a hospital or nursing home. For the Emerson College project, the main focus was providing hot water to users in spite of the low-flow faucets.

“Design for the unexpected. You don’t know if a client is going to come through there with a bad immune system, and you don’t want them to get sicker because of bad plumbing design,” Dean added.

In a series design installation, like the sinks in a bathroom, when water is turned on at the end of the line, the water circulates through the whole system, purging the line and providing hot water to the active fixture almost immediately.

“We’ve done a loop system before similar to this,” said Hannon. “This was the first time we’d used these particular fittings, the double drop elbows. We met our installation goals. Especially where there was a lot of wood in the building, pressing saved us from having to solder.”

“We have used them in other projects,” Dean said. “It’s a solid system. And Viega is a solid product.” Dean was one of many engineers who attended Viega’s water quality seminars, which were held across the country in various locations.

Thanks to coordination with their local Viega rep, Vanderweil and Commonwealth worked together on the Emerson College project.

“We’ve been using Viega for a number of years and have had very good luck with it. We recommend and submit it for projects as often as possible as a product to use,” Hannon said. “Our rep introduced the engineers to these fittings. We worked together on how best to make it work. Our rep was a great help, and we really appreciated his input.”

Bradford White has created a website exclusively for the needs of professional contractors. The For the Pro® site delivers a variety of tools to help contractors grow their business. You’ll find access to Bradford White’s new Contractor Directory to help customers find you, training videos, sales materials, convenient financing for your customers, Energy Efficiency Ratings, … Continue reading Bradford White’s For the Pro ® Website Serves Contractors’ Needs.→

Mechanical Hub recently spoke with Bradford White Corp.’s Bruce Carnevale, president and chief operating officer, about the state of the economy short term, and a bit about the industry in general. Here is an excerpt from the Q&A. How do you see the short-term economic outlook? a) Residential Plumbing — This should remain strong, due … Continue reading Bradford White’s Carnevale offers industry short-term outlook→

Built in the early 1970s, the 96,000-square-foot De Chantal Apartments needed to have its plumbing system entirely repiped — and not just because of its age. Water supplies, once drawn from a nearby lake, now came from private wells, whose water chemistry played havoc with the copper tubing, especially the solder joints where the vast … Continue reading Plumbing makeover in upstate N.Y. senior living apartments→

Milwaukee Tool announces the next big breakthrough for drain cleaning professionals. The M18 FUEL™ SWITCH PACK™ Sectional Drum System is the first drain cleaning solution that combines the benefits of sectional and drum machines to create the single most versatile and mobile machine on the market. This new-to- world solution is easily transportable via an … Continue reading Milwaukee® Creates a New Category of Drain Cleaning Machines→

One Woodward stands as a symbol of Detroit’s renaissance. Situated in the center of Detroit’s Civic Center since 1962, the waterfront property experienced the Motor City’s economic boom of the 1960s, as well as the trying times of the 2000s and the city’s resurgence in recent years. When the town fell upon harsh economic conditions … Continue reading Detroit office complex renovation includes plumbing fixtures→

With PEX installations in new-home construction surpassing copper and CPVC combined, professionals need a reliable PEX product they can count on that will offer long-lasting performance and durability. Uponor is answering the demand with even more solutions for designers and installers to incorporate the value of a complete PEX plumbing system throughout a home or … Continue reading ProPEX® Water Service Offering from Uponor→

It’s a little before 9 a.m. on a Tuesday at EiO and The Hive, one of Nashville’s trendiest new restaurants, and a six-member team is bustling around the kitchen where the aromas of freshly baked bread and rotisserie chicken waft through the air. The “EiO” stands for “Everything Is Organic.” The stylish fast-casual establishment serves … Continue reading Tankless provides space-saving solution at Nashville restaurant→

Mechanical hub is proud to support and sponsor another apprentice in the annual PHCC CONNECT national plumbing apprenticeship contest in Milwaukee, Wis. Just weeks away from testing for his Journeyman’s license, apprentice plumber Joe Pilachowski has worked four years at Midwestern Mechanical, Inc., Sioux Falls, S.D., a commercial plumbing and heating, fire protection, HVAC and … Continue reading Mechanical Hub sponsors apprentice plumber Joe Pilachowski at PHCC CONNECT→

Viega LLC announced its new series of ultra-low volume flushing technology products including two new award-winning flush plate styles. “We are excited to add these new carriers and flush plates to the flushing technology product line,” said Tim Schmidt, product manager, flushing technology at Viega. “These carriers offer an industry-leading solution for water efficiency when … Continue reading Viega flushing technology products→

Over 15 million U.S. households rely on private, household wells for water, including vacation cottages, rural homes and remote barns. Freezing pipes used as supply lines in these applications can result in water being shut off during the winter, as well as costly repairs after the spring thaw. To help ensure a reliable water … Continue reading Emerson In-Pipe Heating System→

Countertop dishwashers offer as much cleaning power as full-size models. Countertop dishwashers use less water and detergent than full-sized models, and often have significantly shorter cycle times.The Streamline compact size dishwasher is perfect for situations where you need a dishwasher but cannot fit a built in dishwasher or you simply have little counter space to … Continue reading Streamline Hoods dishwasher sink combination→

Available in configurations of two, three, and four units side-by-side, and two and four units back-to-back, the Ready-Link® Manifold Kits are designed to save contractors time on multi-unit NPE Tankless Water Heater installations. Complete packages for rapid assembly on new installations or same day emergency replacements can be picked up at Navien wholesale locations and … Continue reading Navien Modular Manifold Kits→

The tiny-house craze is huge. Now Viega has a hand in it, too – contributing to a tiny-house competition in California. The team from University of California, Berkeley utilized different Viega products and finished second in the competition, pulling in some other awards as well. The team made good use of the Viega PureFlow … Continue reading Big ideas in a small space→

Once a manufacturing mecca in the 1920s and 30s, the small eastern Ohio town located in the Rust Belt region of America is host to American Standard’s Americast plant. As members of the trade press assembled at the American Standard facility in Salem, Gray Uhl, Brand Education Director, Lixil Water Technology—one of the trusted tour … Continue reading Touring American Standard’s Americast in the Rust Belt→

Zurn Industries, LLC announces that the new ZShield™ Z1072 Floor Drain Barrier Trap Seal is now available. ZShield reduces odor, gases, and insects from coming up through the drain while still allowing water to flow. ZShield is designed for new and retrofit applications and is ASSE, ICC, and IAPMO approved. The product is comprised of … Continue reading Zurn ZShield Z1072 Floor Drain Barrier Trap Seal→

Rusty and Randy Tigges, co-owners of R&R Septic Services of Carroll, Iowa built a profitable business niche—fast. R&R uses the JM-1000 Mini-Jet, a compact, powerful water jet from General Pipe Cleaners, to service and clean modular wastewater treatment installations. Decentralized modular septic systems like AdvanTex are becoming more common in rural areas not served by … Continue reading Plumbing Pros develop profitable service niche→

The leadership team at Milwaukee Tool continues to push the “disruptive innovation” ideology—an idea that a product takes root initially in simple applications at the bottom of a market and then relentlessly moves up market, eventually displacing established competitors to a new level—when talking about new tools. As a company that professes itself as a … Continue reading Disruptive? Milwaukee Tool Crushes Plumbing Innovation→

LARGE CAPACITY, LIGHTWEIGHT SEWEROOTER T-3™ CLEARS 2″ TO 4″ LINES UP TO 100 FT. LONG The lightweight Sewerooter T-3™ from General Pipe Cleaners packs the power, portability, and capacity to clear clogs from 2″ to 4″ diameter lines up to 100 feet long. Optimized for inside work, the Sewerooter T-3 features a fold down handle … Continue reading Sewerooter T-3™ from General Pipe Cleaners packs the power→

Franklin Electric Co., Inc. offers the Little Giant® VCMX-20 Series of Condensate Pumps for the automatic collection and removal of condensate from air conditioning, refrigeration, and dehumidification equipment when gravity drainage is not possible or practical. What makes the VCMX-20 Series unique is that it was designed to be the easiest condensate pump on the … Continue reading Little Giant VCMX-20 Series of Condensate Pumps→

The new TRAPSNAKE Porcelain Auger System offers multiple auger attachments that can be unified on a single power source. All attachments feature a number of industry firsts including a telescoping cable lock, fixed rubber boot, replaceable cables. The heart of the system is the M12 TRAPSNAKE Driver—the first power unit optimized for the challenges of porcelain … Continue reading Milwaukee TRAPSNAKE Porcelain Auger System→

Mechanical Hub had the chance recently to speak with David Kohler, president and CEO, Kohler, about the company’s sustainability and marketing missions, and its positioning in a growing global market. “The Bold Look of Kohler” has been highly regarded as a turning point in Kohler’s marketing, and, I believe, overall company success. Can you talk … Continue reading Going bolder: Up close with Kohler’s president & CEO, David Kohler→

Navien introduces the new Ready-Link® Manifold System for NPE Tankless Water Heaters. This innovative accessory makes manifold mounting, onto the Ready-Link® Rack or directly to a wall, simple for new multi-unit installations or emergency same day replacements. The kits are available in configurations of two, three, and four units side-by-side, and two and four units … Continue reading Navien Ready-Link Manifold System→

Viega introduced its line of Viega ProPress Zero Lead Ball Valve press x hose thread for copper fittings. The bronze ball valves are full port and designed for potable water applications. The ball valves are available in 1/2″ and 3/4″ press sizes and 3/4″ hose sizes. Other features include a lockable metal handle, stainless steel … Continue reading Viega ProPress® Zero Lead™ Ball Valves→

Building off the success of their recently launched Copper Tubing Cutters line, Milwaukee Tool has now grown the offering to include a range of Quick-Adjust Copper Tubing Cutters. Capable of adjusting in size to cut up to 3-1/2” copper tubing, as well as 3” PEX and PVC through the use of an interchangeable large diameter … Continue reading Milwaukee Large Diameter Quick-adjust Cutters→

When it comes to redesigning the plumbing systems in a historic building, most times you have to expect the unexpected. The central dining facility at Emerson College in downtown Boston was built around 115 years ago. The space needed to install completely new plumbing systems in a historic structure of that age comes at a … Continue reading Emerson College: Designing for the Unexpected→

Gerber®, an industry leader in high performing plumbing fixtures, has added a MaP Premium dual flush toilet to its high performing Viper® product line. The Viper Dual Flush Toilet is one of the industry’s top solutions for those looking for meaningful water-saving product options in the bathroom. A smart solution for residential, hospitality and other … Continue reading Gerber Expands Dual Flush Toilet Offerings→

As the southwestern drought maintains its white knuckle grip on the central and lower parts of the Golden State, Californians continue to find resourceful ways to trim their water consumption. Businesses large and small are no exception. Seaside resorts—with massive pools, landscape to tend and mountains of laundry to wash—are among the largest water-consuming businesses … Continue reading California resort cuts water consumption→

Flint, Mich. — Mayor Karen Weaver and FAST Start Coordinator Michael C. McDaniel told hundreds of participants attending the Flint Water Infrastructure Summit this week that copper pipe will be used to replace the City of Flint’s entire lead and lead-tainted galvanized iron service lines. “We chose copper because the residents of Flint deserve a … Continue reading Flint selects copper to help solve water infrastructure crisis→

Gerber has expanded its well-known and highly regarded Avalanche product line to include two new sink and pedestal combinations. The simple lines and understated styling of the new Avalanche products offer an easy way to complement almost any bathroom decor. Now available are a petite sink (22-3/4” x 18-7/8”), standard sink (25-1/4” x 21-1/4”) and … Continue reading Gerber Avalanche collection adds sink and pedestal products→

This exciting line of disposers, baffles, and cleansing pods enlivens your sink by turning it into a hub of bright colors and uplifting scents, so you can spend less time cleaning your kitchen and more time enjoying it.Disposers have always come with a black baffle—the rubber gasket that fits over your sink opening and guides … Continue reading InSinkErator fresh kitchen colored and scented baffles→

Milwaukee’s new 25′ compact tape measure is 30% smaller than the older model but that’s not the only change we found when we got our hands on it recently. Take a look at the video and you’ll see The Hub’s Eric Aune and hear what he thinks so far.

We often think of a facelift as an external beautification tool, but in the case of a 184-unit Lafayette, LA apartment complex, it’s what we can’t see that needed the biggest makeover. The building’s plumbing system had suffered from leaky pipes for quite some time when the owners decided to replace the outdated polybutylene piping … Continue reading Apartment building’s leaky pipes replaced with PEX→

Check this out. Rinnai introduces the Corner Wall-Mount Tankless Rack System. Pretty cool space-saving ideas in a retrofit or small footprint installations. In keeping with Rinnai’s focus on developing streamlined water heating solutions for commercial applications, the company recently introduced its Corner Tankless Rack System, which is designed to be the replacement for medium-to-large … Continue reading Rinnai Corner Tankless Rack System→

The popularity of freestanding bathtubs has skyrocketed in recent years. They come in all shapes and sizes now and composite materials have taken the place of cast iron. The new Kohler composite material tubs were on display at KBIS/IBS in Orlando. The new composite material, which is a mix of crushed stone and resin allows … Continue reading Kohler freestanding bathtubs→

Homeowners continue to have growing concerns about their home’s water in relation to both potential water impurities and hard water issues. In fact, 84% of respondents in Gallup poll ranked water pollution as a number one environmental concern and more than 85% of US households have hard water which can potentially destroy plumbing pipes and … Continue reading Enviro Water Products Pro Combo System→

Gerber has added a beautiful collection of decorative products to its vitreous china product mix. The Hinsdale suite, which debuted at Orlando’s Design & Construction Week in January, features a modern traditional styling. With its blend of contemporary design elements, the products within the family bring a more updated and relevant look to today’s market … Continue reading Gerber adds Hinsdale Suite→

American Standard, a LIXIL company, is undertaking an innovative omni-channel approach to launch the pioneering ActiClean self-cleaning toilet in both retail and wholesale markets. ActiClean is a first-of-its-kind product for U.S. homeowners seeking low-maintenance, affordable products that make life easier. Simply press a button, walk away, and let the toilet do the rest. Just ask … Continue reading Self-described germaphobe Howie Mandel promotes AmStan’s ActiClean→

If the Design & Construction Week at KBIS/IBS Show in Orlando is any indication of the health of the kitchen & bath and construction industries, then 2017 will be a prosperous year. In fact, solid employment gains and rising household formations, single-family production will continue on a gradual, upward trajectory in 2017, according to economists … Continue reading Growing Design & Construction Week good for the industry→

Winter’s strangle hold of frigid sub-zero temperatures has finally taken hold here in Minnesota. I’m sure many of you too have been blasted with arctic air and the storms that come with it. I think we’re in for a good old-fashioned winter and to be honest, it’s a welcome event. Last year’s winter weather was … Continue reading Infrared Diagnostics→

Far too often government agencies preach one thing and do another, but for the USGBC they have truly put their words into action with their new headquarters in the Foggy Bottom district of Washington DC. Completed in 2007 the building has one purpose, to showcase to the public what green building could do. The first … Continue reading USGBC Headquarters: walking the talk→

Copper press systems have become commonplace on the job but the piping systems have expanded recently to include stainless steel piping and fittings along with fittings engineered specifically for iron pipe. As the systems have expanded so have the tool offerings by multiple manufacturers. Milwaukee entered the press tool market in 2013 with the first … Continue reading ProStaff: Brushless M18 Force Logic, First Look→

The Plumbing Museum has announced the ribbon cutting and launch of the Manoog Family Artist in Residency Program, a new cultural initiative being offered to the Watertown, Mass. and Greater Boston communities. Designed to support careers in both the arts and trades, the program provides artists with the financial and physical resources needed to explore … Continue reading Plumbing Museum provides opportunities for rising artists→

Serving a congregation of 150 faithful, Oneonta, N.Y., Assembly of God Church has increased its flock significantly since its founding in 1939. In the past 20 years alone, the number of churchgoers has more than tripled. Congregation growth has necessitated corresponding facility growth throughout the years. The current sanctuary was built in 1995, replacing an … Continue reading Grinder pump saves church $30K in installation costs→

Residential construction is definitely on the upswing here in Missoula, MT. We’re quickly approaching the levels we saw before 2008, and I hope we don’t quite hit that peak again. I say this because the quality of work suffered in ’08. I was strictly doing service at the time, but pressure on all the trades … Continue reading Today’s new construction: Different products and approaches→

Piscataway, N.J. ― Are you a plumbing expert who likes to share your know-how and help improve your customers’ lives? You may be just the plumber we’re seeking. Well-known plumbing manufacturer American Standard has launched its Plumber Know How contest, aimed at identifying the newest plumbing expert to engage customers and share professional advice through … Continue reading American Standard seeks the ultimate plumbing expert→

Washington, DC — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is honoring 20 businesses, municipalities, utilities, and organizations for their commitment to protecting the environment through water efficiency. EPA’s WaterSense partners have helped Americans save more than 1.5 trillion gallons of water and $32.6 billion in water and energy bills since the program began in 2006. “Over … Continue reading On 10th anniversary, EPA honors WaterSense 2016 Partners of the Year→

Milwaukee Tool expands its industry-leading M12™ System with the introduction of the M12™ Drain Snake, developed specifically for the challenges plumbers, maintenance technicians, and property managers encounter when cleaning fixtures and small drain lines. Providing the benefits of both handheld and floor-mounted drain cleaning machines, the Drain Snake’s simple cordless setup, as well as its … Continue reading M12™ Drain Snake by Milwaukee Tool→

Through a ground-up re-design, the new Milwaukee Tool brushless M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ Press Tool is now smaller and lighter than ever before. 20% lighter than the leading competitor, and more compact than its predecessor, the Press Tool is best in class – offering 20% more run-time, 10% faster cycle time, and the industry’s longest calibration … Continue reading Milwaukee Tool brushless M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ Press Tool→

On a daily basis there are a handful of items that we as technicians use to make our jobs just a bit easier. Generally, they are a not much more than an everyday 6-in-1 screwdriver. Ask around as to whether or not there is a preference to which multi-bit screwdriver is the best, I’m sure … Continue reading Tech 2 Tech: Tools of the trade→

Whoa! Must be an old Moen tub/shower valve in this house or some bad piping. I'll have to investigate but listen to that heater fill thru the hot side. #crossconnection #plumbing A video posted by Mechanical-Hub (@mechanicalhub) on Sep 1, 2016 at 8:47am PDT

Daigle Plumbing and Heating of Derry New Hampshire recently installed this Kohler toilet for one of their clients. The toilet was purchased locally and sent to an artist in Canada to be professionally decorated. What do you think? Have you ever installed one like it?

“Service, service, service” is the official motto at Randal’s Plumbing Inc., in Palm Desert, CA. The owner, Randal Williams, started the 10-person company in 1994. As their motto suggests, service is key, along with a healthy dose of remodel work. The majority of that business comes from high-end residential customers. Randal’s Plumbing lives on referral, … Continue reading Going mobile: Randal’s Plumbing Inc.’s Cycle of Service→

This Tiny House on wheels may be small, but it is big on features. At a cozy 150 square feet, the home is nothing short of luxurious, with high-tech building systems combined with high-end appliances and furnishings. Designed in collaboration with 30 architects, engineers, and materials specialists, this safe and sustainable home has helped educate … Continue reading Tiny house, big plumbing→

Perrysville, Ohio — Mansfield Plumbing has awarded $1,000 scholarships to five college students whose parents each work at the plumbing product manufacturer located in Perrysville, Ohio. • Marissa Cox, daughter of Jody Aberts, who works in the Model Shop on first shift at Mansfield Plumbing, is attending the Mansfield branch of The Ohio State University. … Continue reading Mansfield Plumbing awards $5,000 in scholarships→

As the market for commercial building restroom renovations and construction picks up steam, more attention is being focused on what matters most to all facility stakeholders – owners, employees, business patrons, facility maintenance, and so on. While most of today’s restroom design trends aim to increase durability, maintainability, ease-of-installation, convenience and sustainability within restrooms, perhaps … Continue reading Commercial restroom design trends drive cleanliness and operational efficiency→

Light and powerful for a machine of its size, the DRZ is ideal for clearing clogged sinks, tubs, and laundry drains in 1-1/4″ to 3″ drain lines up to 50 ft. long. The variable speed power cable feed on the DRZ-PH gives you complete control as it feeds and retrieves the cable at up to … Continue reading General Pipe Cleaners DRZ machine→

A clogged kitchen sink at a church prompted a routine call for drain cleaning help. That’s when local plumbing professional Sylvan Tieger rode to rescue—with something different. With nearly five decades as a plumber, including three years’ U.S. Navy service, Tieger offers a full range of plumbing, drain cleaning, fire suppression and emergency services to … Continue reading Plumbing tools give contractor competitive edge→

WICHITA, Kan. – July 2016 – Viega solutions are now included in Revit, a design software which provides building information modeling tools for architects, MEP engineers, structural engineers and designers within the construction industry. Viega solutions are also included on AutoCAD® MEP software for drafting, designing and documenting building systems. Revit and AutoCAD MEP are … Continue reading Viega Solutions Included in Revit® and AutoCAD® MEP Service Software→

Whether in a traditional coin-op laundromat or an industrial textile cleaning application, hot water—and plenty of it—is the number one consideration. Limit the supply or lower the temperature, and profitability goes right down the drain. “In the laundry or textile cleaning industry, there’s a simple formula, so to speak,” said Trent Dodson, co-owner of Oklahoma … Continue reading Oklahoma business prevails in spite of strong headwinds→

Visitors come to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare hotel, Chicago’s sixth-largest hotel, because of its close proximity to O’Hare Airport, its covered walkway to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and its easy access to downtown Chicago. Now, following an interior facelift, guests may find the hotel’s contemporary décor and high-tech features to be equally enticing—including … Continue reading Touch-free fixtures grace Hyatt Regency O’Hare restrooms→

Matco-Norca has introduced a new line of lead free class 125-250 lbs. brass domestic fittings that are NSF/ANSI 61 Certified and CSA Approved. These fittings, in stock from 1/8” through 6” diameter sizes, include configurations for virtually every need, from elbows, couplings and tees to plugs and flanges. American made by American trade, they comply … Continue reading Matco-Norca introduces domestic lead free brass fittings→

Chicago Faucets elevates style within the commercial plumbing industry with its new 3600 Series. The 3600 Series is the latest addition to the Chicago Faucets Metermix® line of metering faucets. All 3600 Series faucets feature user-adjustable temperature control for a superior hand washing experience. Chicago Faucets’ popular MVP® metering cartridge, the heart of the 3600 … Continue reading Chicago Faucets 3600 Series Metering Faucets→

Barrel O’ Fun, a snack manufacturer with three locations across the U.S., distributes nationwide to retail stores, food service outlets and private labels. As the company continued to expand its reach, a distribution center was needed for the growing western market, which led them to build a new, multi-million dollar facility in Phoenix. Niemeyer … Continue reading Versatile stainless solution for Phoenix snack factory→

Greenlee Textron Inc. has launched a new line of Gorilla™ pressing tools designed for joining pipe safely by eliminating the need for an open flame and a hot work permit on the jobsite. The new Gorilla™ pressing tool line features two separate tool platforms: the inline battery pressing tool (INLNPRESS-TOOL19kN) and the pistol grip … Continue reading Greenlee Gorilla line of pressing tools→

For the residents of Gloucester, Mass., the name Gorton’s Seafood means more than the fish the company is famous for. Gorton’s promotes a feeling of life, love and trust. Founded in 1623, Gloucester is America’s oldest seaport and the birthplace of the U.S. fishing industry. Gorton’s originated as a father and son duo in 1849 … Continue reading Stainless solution for America’s best seafood→

The award-winning XR90 Rheem® Professional Classic Plus® Series Induced Draft Water Heater is small, but mighty. The fan assisted design produces the hot water of a 50-gallon water heater in the footprint of a 29-gallon tank and comes with a powerful 60,000 Btu/h eco-friendly burner. This model is narrow and lightweight for quick installation and … Continue reading XR90 – Rheem Professional Classic Plus Induced Draft→

Elkhart, Ind. – NIBCO INC. announced that it has acquired the valve assets of Webstone Company, Inc. The transaction was finalized on May 23, 2016. The new business unit will be named, “Webstone, a brand of NIBCO.” “The acquisition will complement and enhance existing efforts NIBCO has put in place for superior design, innovation, and … Continue reading NIBCO boosts valve offering through acquisition of Webstone→

A few years ago, Mechanical Hub asked the major players in tool manufacturing what was going on as far as tool battery technology innovation. Recently, we caught up with Marcus Borman, RIDGID Global Marketing Manager, to discuss RIDGID’s battery tech. According to Borman, RIDGID takes pride in all of its products, and they see the … Continue reading RIDGID Tools: Batteries built to last→

The Bonomi Group, manufacturer of the first lead-free electric automated shutoff ball valve package, is now offering a more advanced and compact lead-free package in the U.S. and Canada. The new 8E864 Series package meets all requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and is available in sizes 1/4-inch through 1-1/4 inches. The new … Continue reading Lead-free brass shutoff ball valve package→

Now with Super Bright LEDs, the new Gen-Eye® Mini Self-Leveling Camera from General Pipe Cleaners automatically keeps pictures right side up as it glides through 2” to 4” lines. Super Bright LEDs light up lines with 15% more candle power than competitive models offer – for brilliantly detailed inspections. And monitor images always remain upright … Continue reading General’s mini self-leveling camera→

“The number one asset of any employer is a trained and qualified worker,” House Career & Technical Education Caucus Co-Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) said during opening remarks at an April 27 special Workforce Development Roundtable on Capitol Hill. But given current demographic trends, finding skilled workers is becoming increasingly more difficult in the p-h-c … Continue reading PHCC Addresses Workforce Shortage During Capitol Hill Roundtable→

Americans Encountering More Unkempt Restrooms, Triggering Negative Perceptions of Businesses Milwaukee, Wis. — The “ick factor” in public restrooms appears to be growing, according to a survey that tracks Americans’ attitudes toward restroom facilities. Almost 70% report they’ve had a particularly unpleasant experience in a public restroom due to the condition of the facilities—a nearly … Continue reading Survey: Public restroom neglect on the rise→

NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Bobby Allison is no stranger to life in the fast lane. By the end of his racing career, Allison had accumulated 84 credited victories. This includes winning the Winston Cup and the Daytona 500 not once, but three times. At 78 years old, Allison lives a little slower paced life … Continue reading NASCAR legend Bobby Allison’s water heater replacement→

The SOLOLIFT2 line of macerating pumps from Grundfos features a powerful motor and smart design that maximizes performance while reducing necessary maintenance. Five different models include a 1/3 to 3/4 Hp motor, innovative engineering and new cutter design, developed from heavy industrial systems. The innovative and durable grinder collects and pumps wastewater and/or grey … Continue reading Grundfos SOLOLIFT2 macerating pump→

Milwaukee Tool expands its industry-leading M12™ System with the introduction of the M12™ Drain Snake, developed specifically for the challenges plumbers, maintenance technicians, and property managers encounter when cleaning fixtures and small drain lines. Providing the benefits of both handheld and floor-mounted drain cleaning machines, the Drain Snake’s simple cordless setup, as well as its … Continue reading Milwaukee® portable Drain Snake→

With more than 47 years as a plumber—including three years US Navy service—the Bronx-based professional offers a full range of plumbing, drain cleaning, fire suppression and emergency services for the commercial, residential and institutional markets—to the New York City area. When he talks drain cleaning tools, he can’t help but boast about how much they … Continue reading Drain cleaning tools have Tieger by the tail→

The first few months of the year—every year—feature a gauntlet of industry trade shows where visitors can see the latest and greatest in technology and manufacturer products. Some of the products displayed aren’t necessarily new—variations of this, variations of that. But these trade shows—specifically the AHR Show, which highlights the HVAC and refrigeration, and the … Continue reading Wrap your head around this — 3D-printed faucets→

Fully integrated, the new self-priming SCALA2 is designed to boost water pressure from city mains, shallow wells and storage tanks serving residential buildings with up to three floors and eight taps. An intelligent pump control sensor compares measured and desired water pressures, adjusting pump speed accordingly and ensuring a perfect water pressure through the system. The plug-and-pump soluti

Due to the advent of spring, contractor/builder Scott Pollak says now is the optimal time for a kitchen remodel. “Early spring is the best time to really dive into the kitchen-planning stages and find the right contractor,” said Pollak, owner of Sandcastle Builders, who has been remodeling kitchens for thirty years. “In the spring, there … Continue reading Top 3 reasons for springtime kitchen remodels→